12 April 2023
The city of Manchester and its surrounding areas play host to many firework displays throughout the year, with the region's many sports clubs renowned for their displays. Though the events in this list are going ahead in principle, many are still yet to be fully confirmed. It’s therefore a good idea to double check with the organisers closer to the time.
Nothing says Manchester quite like a firework display against the backdrop of old machinery from the age of industry. This unique and splendid display has been held for free in previous years, and the museum is fully open to visitors during the event (donations are welcome). The event is aimed particularly at families, and children will love the chance to check out the artefacts on display.
This display is held at Oldham Edge, which is a high area of grassland and moorland at 247 metres above sea level, meaning it’s the perfect spot for wide, unobstructed views for all (in fact, the display can be seen clearly from many parts of the wider Oldham area). The event is always popular, featuring food and drink stalls and funfair rides. In the past there have also been other fire-inspired displays, such as a performance from the fire-dancing troupe Juggling Inferno and British firework champions, Fantastic Fireworks. The event is free, held on or around bonfire night, and usually runs from around 5 - 9:30pm.
This display will be back with a bang this New Year’s Eve. Having moved from Albert Park to the cathedral in 2019, the event starts at 11pm, culminating at midnight with a beautiful display in the skies set to music. You can make a longer evening of it by visiting the Manchester Winter Gardens at Piccadilly Gardens before heading over to enjoy the fireworks. Expect large crowds.
This event takes place in the beautiful nature reserve of Heaton Park. It’s easy to get to, with great transport links, and receives consistently excellent reviews. One of the most popular features of this event is the huge bonfire, the lighting of which is done right before the main fireworks display. The event is usually held from 5pm to 10pm on or around bonfire night, with the lighting of the bonfire at around 7:30pm.
This is a unique event that combines both frights and fireworks. There are two choices of tickets. Outdoor tickets will give you outside access to the fireworks display, as well as food stalls, a bar and tuckshop, with a large marquee for cover in case of bad weather. Indoor tickets allow access to the clubhouse, with a bar, food, music and - best of all - a grandstand view of the display. Bear in mind that indoor tickets are limited to 200, and usually sell quickly. The event usually takes place around the end of October, with tickets around £7 (adults) and £3 (children) for indoors, and £5 (adults) and £3 (children) for outdoors.
Photo by Acton Crawford on Unsplash